FAQ's

Q1 Will my project
require a permit?

Each county and municipality has its own permit requirements.
Generally, a permit is not required unless there is a change
in use for the space to be remodeled or there is a change in
the basic structure of the building. Part of our service is to
pull any required permits and to schedule any required
inspections.

Q2 How much is my project going to cost? (Terms of Payment)

Each project is unique and the cost will vary accordingly.
Contractor Services will have a face-to-face meeting with each
client and discuss the extent of work being considered. At
that time, various options and grades of materials will be
suggested for the project. As a rule, we recommend higher
quality products to avoid premature failure and disappointment
on your part. Our estimators will then contact the various
venders and determine a fair price for the purchase and
installation of the materials.

Q3 How am I going to pay for my project?

Once the estimate for the project is accepted, a contract for
the work will be issued and a start date determined.
Generally, fifty percent of the cost is expected prior to the
start of the job. Some larger projects are broken into smaller
increments. This amount is used to purchase the majority of
the needed materials. The balance for the project is expect
upon completion of the work.

Other arrangements, i.e.., pay as you go, etc. can be made.
However, this arrangement generally extends the length of the
project because of scheduling issues with our tradesmen.

Q4 How does Contractor Services handle questions or
complaints about the job?

Generally, questions occur at the end of the work day and
involve the reason for the particular order of tasks being
scheduled. There is a logical sequence for the various tasks
and the job supervisor, who has the complete overview of the
project, is most equipped to answer your question. The client
always has access to the supervisor via cell phone. Our
tradesmen, although on the site, are employed to accomplish a
given task and may not be able to answer your question. The
supervisor will take his time to discuss your question with
you.

Although rare, complaints sometimes occur. The last one
involved an apprentice who shut (slammed) the front door of
the house a little too loudly every time he went in or out.
The supervisor was informed and the behavior was corrected. We
at Contractor Services respect the fact that remodeling or
repairing a part of your home is disruptive to your daily
routine. It is always noisy and dusty. We will do everything
possible to diminish this imposition into your life.

Q5 How long is the project going to take?

The time required for a particular project is dependent upon
the extent of work involved. The replacement of siding or a
roof is relatively simple and could be completed in a day or
two. Other projects are more involved and may require the
special ordering of materials. Each manufacturer or vendor has
a given lead time for producing or obtaining that required
product. Contractor Services attempts to coordinate the
scheduling of tasks with the availability of materials and
tradesmen or installers to make the entire project flow as
smoothly as possible and with minimal disruption to your home
life.

At the initial face-to-face meeting with Contractor Services,
a rough time estimate for the project can be given.

Q6 Are you insured?

Each of our tradesmen carries his own liability insurance
(approximately $250,000.) General contractors usually carry an
additional $1,000,000 of liability insurance. Contactor
Services has a $3,000,000 policy. Certificates of insurance
are available upon request.

Q7 Do you design and plan your own remodeling or repair
work?

Jim Martin completely designed and built his own personal
home, so he is familiar with all of the issues from foundation
footer to roof peak. For most projects, we feel very
comfortable in designing the repair/remodel work. At times,
the customer may request the input of a professional design
company. We have several that we highly recommend. When the
designer's plans are complete, Contractor Services will
proceed with the work. For recurring and problematic
structural issues, we sometimes consult a forensic architect
for advice and then proceed with his recommendations.